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Carlton was seven months old when he grabbed a pot of hot oil. Discover what growing up through 50 surgeries has been like for Carlton.

In a split second a life can change forever.

At just seven months of age, as Carlton's mum Sharyn was cooking the family meal, Carlton grabbed the deep fryer and was covered in boiling hot oil.

Carlton had sustained burns to 75 per cent of his body: a quarter of them were third-degree burns. At only 14, Carlton has now had more than 50 surgeries in just 13 years.

He is proud to share his story with you because he is so grateful for the care and treatment he’s received at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Carlton has a bright future... thanks to the generosity of people just like you.

While he has been lucky to have had the best treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital, if he had sustained his injuries today, rather than 13 years ago, he would have endured far less pain and trauma.

Thanks to Professor Roy Kimble’s internationally renowned research work at the Centre for Children’s Burns Research, some incredible breakthroughs have been achieved. But burns treatment still has a long way to go.

"This funding is so important!" Professor Kimble said. "Without donations, there wouldn’t be any research... these advances in burns treatment and prevention just wouldn’t be possible."

You can help the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation work wonders for more sick kids like Carlton by donating towards ground breaking research leading to faster diagnoses, better treatments and ultimately cures. Please give as generously as you can.

 

Send Carlton a message of support

Carlton and his family still visit the Royal Children’s Hospital for ongoing treatment. A message of support from you would mean a lot to Carlton, whose bravery has been inspirational.

7 Comments

  1. Tanya Allen on Monday 31 May, 2010

    Hi Carlton, Stephen and family, What a surprise we received when we opened up our children's hospital letter today! Nick said "Hey look - it's Carlton!" (do you remember playing with the M&M's AFL team with Nick?) You are an amazing young man Carlton and have come so far with such bravery and humility. Well done and you and the rest of the family deserve to be commended for surviving and flourishing through such difficult times. All the best for the future, Tanya, Roger, Nick and Jared

  2. Jennifer Russell on Monday 31 May, 2010

    Hi Carlton, I'm a Grandma now, but when I was being born I suffered an injury which has affected my mobility all my life. Like you I have had many surgeries - not as many as you though! And pain is just something to manage all the time. We have both been dealt this lot and I hope I can be as postitive as you. When things get too much - we can always reach out to God and He will never fail to answer and help. You are certainly an inspiration to me so I wish you all the best in your courageous journey . Mrs.Russell.

  3. Kate on Thursday 21 January, 2010

    Well done Carlton - you are just out there giving life your best shot and it sounds like you are having a great time, despite the challenges that you face. You're an absolute winner (and a handsome one at that!) and I have no doubt you will enjoy a happy high achieving life, with many fun adventures ahead. Your bravery and great attitude inspire us all - Good luck to you and your supportive family!

  4. Tara Hinchliffe on Wednesday 18 November, 2009

    Hey Carlton, I am 11 yrs old and just read about your story. I have to do a talk about a hero next week and I now know who I am going to do... you! You are really inspiring and I look up to you alot!

  5. Jane Huggins on Monday 16 November, 2009

    Hi Carlton - I just wanted to let you know that I think that you are a very brave young man. To have such a positive attitude towards life at such a young age is commendable - many could learn from you. I am a theatre nurse and have been constantly amazed at the degree of courage and resilience shown by children and young people who are regular visitors to the theatre complex. It goes a long way towards their recovery - as you would know. Best of luck for your future - I'm sure it will be as bright as your smile!

  6. Jason Roberts on Monday 2 November, 2009

    Carlton. 13 years ago I was 20yrs old and lived across the road from you. I helped with the clean up afterwards and from time to time have wondered how you and your parents are doing. Now I have 5 children of my own and cannot imagine what you and your parents went through but words can't express the joy I felt to read that you are doing well. You have an amazing amount of strength an are an inspiration to not only me but my whole family. Well done and look after yourself and your parents. Jason Jayne and family

  7. Jennifer Kennedy on Monday 2 November, 2009

    Dear Carlton, I am a grandmother with a granddaughter exactly your age. I am so inspired by your courageous story that I feel moved to send a second donation this year to the Foundation. I have no doubt your happy smile and positive attitude will get you through, along with the support of your wonderful parents, doctors and nurses. I wish for you a very happy future and good luck in all you set out to achieve in your life. You are a very brave young man.

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